William Hague condemns sexual violence in Iraq

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict made a statement on reports of sexual violence and slavery by ISIL.

The Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, William Hague, said:

I condemn the acts of horrific sexual violence and sexual slavery reportedly being carried out by ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in areas under its control. Rape and sexual violence are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. All parties to the conflict must do everything in their power to protect the civilian population, including from the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

The UK government is working closely with the United Nations, Iraqi authorities and international partners to ease human suffering in Iraq. That includes providing humanitarian support to displaced people, many of whom have been the victims of ISIL’s abuses and persecution. We will work with our international parties, including the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, to urge more support to the Iraqi government in preventing and responding to these abhorrent crimes.

Read more about the UK government’s response to the situation in Iraq.